The IKEA Matchspel and Markus chairs are two of the most popular seating options from IKEA, but they cater to very different needs. The Matchspel is a highly adjustable ergonomic gaming chair designed for customizable comfort, while the Markus is a classic high-back office chair known for its durable, simple design and excellent value.
Here’s a detailed comparison to help you decide which chair is the right investment for your home office or gaming setup.
IKEA Matchspel Gaming Chair
The Matchspel is IKEA's answer to the booming demand for ergonomic gaming chairs that also work well for the home office. It prioritizes adjustability, allowing users to fine-tune the headrest, lumbar support, armrests, and seat depth to achieve a personalized fit. Its aesthetic is modern and inspired by racing seats but is subtle enough to blend into many office environments.
- What it is: An ergonomic gaming chair focused on providing a high degree of customizability for comfort during long sessions of gaming or work.
- Key features: Adjustable headrest, adjustable lumbar support, 3D adjustable armrests (height, forward/backward), adjustable seat depth, synchronized seat and back tilt.
- Price: Around $289
- Style: Modern gamer aesthetic with a body-hugging shape and color accents. It is more stylized than a traditional office chair but less aggressive than many other gaming chairs.
- Materials/Construction: Features a steel frame, breathable mesh back, and polyurethane-coated fabric on the seat and headrest that mimics the feel of leather.
- Pros: Excellent adjustability in almost every key area. The mesh material on the back provides great airflow. The adjustable head and lumbar support are crucial for personalized ergonomics. Armrest customization is a major advantage over the Markus.
- Cons: Higher price point. The coated fabric can be less breathable than full-cloth chairs and may be prone to peeling after several years of heavy use. Some users find the armrests feel a bit wobbly due to their adjustability.
The Matchspel is perfect for gamers or creative professionals who spend long hours at their desk and need the ability to tailor their chair's support precisely to their body.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/matchspel-gaming-chair-bomstad-black-40507605/
IKEA Markus Office Chair
The Markus is an IKEA icon and a long-time favorite for home offices around the world. It’s known for its durability, high back, and great value. The chair provides a simple, "set it and forget it" ergonomic experience, featuring a breathable mesh back and built-in lumbar support that works well for many body types, especially taller individuals.
- What it is: A professional, high-back ergonomic office chair prized for its reliability, comfort, and affordable price.
- Key features: High backrest that provides head and neck support, breathable mesh back, built-in lumbar curve, adjustable height, and tilt-and-lock function.
- Price: Around $229
- Style: Sleek, minimalist, and professional. It easily fits into traditional home office decor without standing out.
- Materials/Construction: The chair has a sturdy steel frame and a polyester mesh back. Depending on the version, the seat and headrest come in a durable Vissle fabric or a Glose bonded leather.
- Pros: Excellent value for money. Proven durability with many users reporting 5+ years of daily use. The high back is a huge benefit for taller users. Breathable mesh back keeps you cool. Its simple design is timeless and professional.
- Cons: Lacks adjustability, the armrests and lumbar support are in fixed positions. The arms cannot be easily removed or adjusted, which can interfere with some low desks. Seat depth is not adjustable. The fixed lumbar curve may not hit the right spot for every user.
This chair is a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a dependable and comfortable office chair for all-day work without needing hyper-specific ergonomic adjustments.
Shop this product: ikea.com/us/en/p/markus-office-chair-vissle-dark-gray-90289172/
Matchspel vs. Markus Comparison
Adjustability & Ergonomics
This is the most significant difference between the two chairs. The Matchspel is the clear winner in adjustability, offering customizable lumbar support, headrest position, seat depth, and armrest height/position. This allows you to create a seating experience tailored exactly to your body shape and posture preferences.
The Markus offers basic ergonomic features: height adjustment and a tilt-lock mechanism. Its armrests and lumbar support are fixed. While its built-in ergonomics are excellent for its price point and suit many people well, it's a one-size-fits-most approach. If the fixed lumbar curve or armrest height doesn't work for you, there are no options to change them.
Style & Aesthetics
Each chair has a distinct look that suits different spaces. The Matchspel embraces a modern "gamer" style with its contoured shape and racing-seat design inspiration. While more toned-down than many competitors, it still makes a visual statement and works best in contemporary, gaming, or creative spaces.
In contrast, the Markus has a timeless, professional aesthetic. Its sleek, minimalist profile fits seamlessly into traditional home offices and corporate environments. It's designed to be functional and blend in rather than stand out.
Comfort & Feel
Both chairs are comfortable for long periods, but for different reasons. The Matchspel’s comfort comes from its sculpted, body-hugging shape and the ability to customize its support points. The Markus provides a more open, less constrained feeling, with its tall back providing excellent support for the entire spine and head, which is particularly beneficial for taller individuals.
Both chairs feature a mesh back, which is a major advantage for breathability, preventing heat buildup during long sessions at a desk.
Price & Value
The Markus offers incredible value. For around $229, it delivers durability and core ergonomic features that compete with chairs costing much more, backed by a 10-year limited warranty. It’s a workhorse chair that provides a fantastic return on investment.
The Matchspel costs about $60 more, but that extra cost directly funds its extensive adjustability features. If you need adjustable armrests or find that fixed lumbar supports never work for you, then the Matchspel provides superior value by delivering the custom comfort you require to be productive and pain-free.
Which One Should You Choose?
Both chairs are excellent options, but they are built for different users and priorities.
Choose the Matchspel if:
- You demand a high degree of personalization for ergonomic support.
- Adjustable armrests are a must-have for your comfort and desk setup.
- You sit for very long, intense sessions (gaming or work) and need to fine-tune support.
- You prefer a modern, gamer-influenced aesthetic for your space.
Choose the Markus if:
- You are on a tighter budget but still want a durable, ergonomic chair.
- You are tall and would benefit from its extra-high backrest.
- You value simplicity and reliability over numerous adjustment options.
- You want a chair with a professional, minimalist look for your home office.
Frequently Asked Questions
What's the main difference between the Matchspel and Markus?
The main difference is adjustability. The Matchspel offers extensive, customizable ergonomics (adjustable headrest, lumbar, armrests, seat depth), while the Markus provides a simpler, fixed ergonomic design known for durability and a very high back.
Which chair is better for long hours?
Both are good, but the best one depends on your needs. The Matchspel might be better for those who need to micro-adjust their posture and support throughout the day. The Markus is excellent for users who find its fixed shape comfortable and just need a reliable, supportive seat for an 8-hour workday.
I'm tall, which IKEA chair should I get?
The Markus is famously one of the best budget chairs for tall people. Its high back and headrest provide full support for users over 6 feet (183 cm), which is something many other office chairs fail to do.
Can you remove the armrests?
You can assemble the Matchspel without armrests, and they can be easily removed later. Removing the armrests on the Markus is not recommended, as they are part of the chair's structural integrity that connects the backrest to the seat base.
Will the Matchspel's "gamer" style look unprofessional in an office?
The Matchspel has a relatively subtle design compared to many other gaming chairs. In a modern home office, especially the black or dark grey versions can look quite sleek and stylish. However, for a very traditional corporate setting, the Markus is a safer choice.
Which one is more durable?
The Markus has a legendary reputation for durability, with a simple construction that has very few points of failure. The Matchspel is also built on a sturdy steel frame, but its multiple adjustable parts (especially the armrests) can be potential weak points over many years compared to the fixed design of the Markus.
Is the Matchspel worth the extra money?
Yes, if you will use its features. If you struggle with standard office chairs and need the ability to adjust armrest height and position, lumbar support, and headrest angle, then the extra cost for the Matchspel is a worthwhile investment in your comfort.
Which chair is more breathable to sit in?
Both excel in this area. The Markus and Matchspel feature polyester mesh backrests, which allow for constant airflow to keep your back cool, making either choice great for warmer climates or long sitting sessions.
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